GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SAYS AN INCREASE IN COVID-19 CASES AND HOSPITALIZATIONS MEANS THE STATE CAN'T MOVE TO THE "BRIDGE PHASE" YET. 

THE LATEST DAILY TOTALS ARE NEARLY 26-HUNDRED NEW CASES AND OVER 14-HUNDRED PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED. SO DESPITE 70 PERCENT OF SENIORS NOW VACCINATED, ILLINOIS CAN'T OPEN UP FURTHER UNTIL THOSE NUMBERS GO DOWN. IN THE MEANTIME, GOVERNOR PRITZKER REMINDS THAT EVERYONE OVER 16 OUTSIDE THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS ELIGIBLE TO GET THE VACCINE STARTING APRIL 12TH. EVEN EARLIER IN SOME PLACES.

 GOVERNOR PRITZKER REMINDS THAT EVERYONE CAN GET THE SHOT STARTING APRIL 12TH. SOME AREAS WITH LESS DEMAND ARE ALREADY EXTENDING VACCINE ELIGIBILITY.

CHICAGO IS ON A DIFFERENT VACCINE ELIGIBILITY TIMETABLE. ONCE COVID NUMBERS IMPROVE, THE STATE WILL ENTER THE BRIDGE PHASE WITH INCREASED CAPACITY ALLOWED IN BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SETTINGS.